What is I-O?

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology is the scientific
study of the workplace. Rigor and methods of psychology are
applied to issues of critical relevance to business,
including talent management, coaching, assessment,
selection, training, organizational development,
performance, and work-life balance.

Report on the Twentieth Annual Doctoral Consortium

Kathleen K. Lundquist
Applied Psychological Techniques, Inc.

Harold W. Goldstein
Baruch College, City University of New York

The 20th Annual Industrial-Organizational Psychology Doctoral Consortium was held on Thursday, April 14, 2005, preceding the SIOP Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The consortiums theme was Credibility in I-O Psychology and was attended by 40 advanced doctoral students from psychology, business, and management programs. Nominated to participate by their faculty, participants included both those planning academic careers and those seeking positions in industry and consulting. Participants got a chance to meet peers from other programs and receive helpful career advice from a wide range of speakers.

The days activities began with a continental breakfast and welcoming mixer that gave students a chance to get to know each other. Next,
Leaetta Hough, Ben Dowell, and Miguel Quinones comprised the first panel session of the day, during which they shared their thoughts on what it takes to be credible in the field of I-O psychology. This session was followed by a unique panel that focused on how credible our field is from the perspective of the courts. Addressing the issue of how well our science holds up to the scrutiny of the law were two expert witnesses,
James Outtz and RichardJeanneret, as well as lawyer Paul Grossman.

We then took a break for lunch, which concluded with Fritz Drasgow giving students a preview of his presidential address. The afternoon featured a panel discussion on how to establish credibility early in ones career. This realistic job preview was provided by speakers
Colin Lue King, Mahesh Subramony, Lisa Nishii, and Ken Yusko. This was followed by two concurrent sessions that provided advice on searching for a job. Session A focused on academic settings and involved panelists
Daniel Ilgen and Charles Scherbaum. Session B focused on practitioner settings and involved panelists
David Pollack, John Scott, and Matthew Montei. The day concluded with a brief summary session aimed at pulling together key themes from the consortium.

Most of all, we would like to thank Lee Hakel for all her efforts regarding the doctoral consortium. Lee was deservedly honored during the consortium lunch for her enormous help and vision with regard to the doctoral consortium at SIOP. As a result, beginning next year, the consortium will fittingly bear her name. Thanks Lee, for all you have done and continue to do.